sway bar help

[zyklon2012]

sorry if already posted but how do i remove the rear sway bar i did a search and couldn't find anything i removed the screws in the links but it seems like there tension on it i have a 2002 sport thank you

 

[swshawaii]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...99-explorer-lots-of-pics.382847/#post-3134127

 

[chefduane]

Zyklon: ^ really nice mod and easy to do. Do the end links also while you're under there. Search "Energy Suspension bushings" and "Moog end links." Make sure you support the sway bar when you do the bushings. The sway bar is one heavy sucker and you don't want to drop it on your head!

 

[swshawaii]

OP's referring to the rear sway bar. Agree though, the ES 9.8103 mod's a good one. LOL

Unless removing permanently, here's a rear poly kit if replacing frame and end link bushings.
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/4.5153

 

[zyklon2012]

yeah i got the bushings from ford and tried to just take the link off the bar and it seemed like it had tension on it so I didn't want to take the bolt out and not be able to get it back on but i will try that tomorrow i already have new shocks front and back just trying to fix the noise every time i hit a bump the rear sounds like it going to fall apart and was the down side to getting rid off the rear sway bar

 

[koda2000]

There's no tension on the sway bar or the rear links unless you're going around a corner. Are you replacing the end-link bushings or the sway bar to frame bushings?

If it's the end links, I'd suggest you replace the links rather than trying to replace just the bushings. I did this on one of mine end links and I needed a press to remove and replace the bushing. Not worth the trouble.

 

[chefduane]

Yes, this ^ is what I was suggesting but I guess I did not make myself clear. As long as you're going to drop the sway bar to do the bushings (I assume he meant the sway bar to body bushings - maybe not) also do the end links. And yes, get whole new end link assemblies - they're inexpensive.

Actually, doing sway bar bushings and end links is a job that I would consider as 'one job.' As long as you're going to do one, do the other as well. If you're gonna' drop the sway bar for its bushings, might as well do the end links also, eh? And vice versa.

 

[swshawaii]

Koda and Duane are correct, replacing end link bushings can be a PITA, although the only option if you want polyurethane.

HOW-TO BURN OUT SUSPENSION BUSHINGS: THE RIGHT WAY
HOW-TO INSTALL A BUSHING WITHOUT A PRESS

How To - Energy Suspension Installation Instructions

 

[J_C]

Am I underestimating the amount of force it'd take to press bushings in or wouldn't a big bench vice do it? Granted the last time I put much strain on my bench vice it pulled up the whole plank it was mounted on and cracked it, but with that repaired beefier than before...

 

[koda2000]

Am I underestimating the amount of force it'd take to press bushings in or wouldn't a big bench vice do it? Granted the last time I put much strain on my bench vice it pulled up the whole plank it was mounted on and cracked it, but with that repaired beefier than before...

That is correct. I figured my bench vise would do the job, but it had no effect on the old bushing. I took it to my friends shop and we used his press. Even the press had a bit of a hard time pressing the old bushing out. The new one (a Moog) pressed in only slightly easier. In the future I'll just buy the entire rear end-link. They're not that expensive, but according to the eBay ad the Moog bushings (pictured as enough to do both links for $10.95) seemed like a great deal. Turned out they only sent me one set and would not honor they're ad, so not such a great deal after all.

 

[chefduane]

Your end link bushings needed to be pressed on? Sway bar bushings can be slipped over the bar as they are usually split. Just lube them up a bit. End link bushings just get assembled in the proper order as you install the link. I don't recall having to press them on. What am I missing?

 

[swshawaii]

^ You're correct, all rear end link replacement bushings are "halves" and don't need to be pressed in like the OEM rubber.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2000,explorer,4.0l+v6+sohc,1362440,suspension,stabilizer+bar+link,7580?a=Referer+www.google.com+URL+/

 

[zyklon2012]

unfortunately the sway bar bushings are not split i have to slide them on from the beginning alot of grease will be in my future and my links have tension on them for some odd reason i had to hit it with a rubber mallet to get it to move the slightest bit

 

[koda2000]

^ You're correct, all rear end link replacement bushings are "halves" and don't need to be pressed in like the OEM rubber.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2000,explorer,4.0l+v6+sohc,1362440,suspension,stabilizer+bar+link,7580?a=Referer+www.google.com+URL+/

Maybe my memory of the effort required to install the Moog replacement bushing is not correct and I do recall that they were split, but the OE ones were most definitely not split. About the time they finally started to come out using the press, I was about to give up on them ever coming out.

As far as there being any tension on the sway bar. that doesn't make any sense. Are your rear wheels off the ground and hanging? Even so the shocks should limit the droop of the rear axle. Once I had the nuts removed, my slid right off with little effort. Try supporting the rear end with a jack. When level the sway bar just pivots up and down with no resistance.

 

[swshawaii]

All the aftermarket rear end link bushings I've seen are halves. Complete rear end links have pressed in rubber bushings that can be easily heated and removed without a press. Links in post #8 above. Moog K80085 kit is for ONE end link now, not two.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2000,explorer,4.0l+v6+sohc,1362440,suspension,stabilizer+bar+link,7580?a=Referer+www.google.com+URL+/

Regarding sway bar frame bushings, most aftermarket are split whereas the OEM replacements are not.

 

[J_C]

It makes me wonder, what about just cutting an OEM bushing in half...

 

[koda2000]

All the aftermarket rear end link bushings I've seen are halves. Complete rear end links have pressed in rubber bushings that can be easily heated and removed without a press. Links in post #8 above. Moog K80085 kit is for ONE end link now, not two.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2000,explorer,4.0l+v6+sohc,1362440,suspension,stabilizer+bar+link,7580?a=Referer+www.google.com+URL+/

Regarding sway bar frame bushings, most aftermarket are split whereas the OEM replacements are not.

I don't disagree that the Moog K80085 kit is for jut one end link, but the photo that was on eBay showed 8 halves, when it should have shown only 4, or it should have specified "does one link".

For Example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moog-Brand-...ash=item46287ac76c:g:kxkAAOSwGvhUIx~A&vxp=mtr

 

[swshawaii]

That eBay seller's going to catch some flak over that. Moog K80085 kit was previously for BOTH sides. From RA's web site:

MOOG K80085 Does not include bolt; Incl. thermoplastic bushings for both ends of link; Works For One Side

Rear; Bolts Not Included; Contains Thermoplastic Bushing For Both Ends Of Link

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=504346&cc=1362440

EDIT- Unless it's new old stock (NOS) Who nose, I'm outta this thread.

 

[koda2000]

That eBay seller's going to catch some flak over that. Moog K80085 kit was previously for BOTH sides. From RA's web site:

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=504346&cc=1362440

EDIT- Unless it's new old stock (NOS) Who nose, I'm outta this thread.

I contacted the seller to see if I should have been sent one kit or two. His customer service was horrible, so I posted an eBay complaint. The owner contacted me, but he couldn't (or wouldn't) answer my question. He said he would refund my money, but I didn't want my money refunded, I just wanted to know if his ad was misleading or if he needed to send me another set. Eventually nothing happened, I installed the one kit (which is all I needed at the time) and decided I'd just purchase another link when I needed it.